A day of remembrance to honour deceased soldiers |11 November 2013

Today is the 94th year since King George V dedicated November 11 as a day of remembrance for the soldiers who lost their lives during the two world wars.
 
Throughout the Commonwealth, this day is reserved to pay tribute and honour the soldiers and mark the day World War One ended, that was in 1918.

As a Commonwealth country, Seychelles is among the countries that pay respect and honour the soldiers who died in the wars, mainly the Seychellois soldiers.  A programme of activities was organised yesterday to commemorate Remembrance Day.

The day started with a Remembrance Day service at the St Paul’s Cathedral and then it followed by the Cenotaph ceremony at the Mont Fleuri cemetery.

Present for the ceremony were Vice President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, British high commissioner Lindsay Skoll, French ambassador Geneviève Iancu, commissioner of police Ernest Quatre, members of the diplomatic corps and officials of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces, veterans, family members of deceased soldier, and other distinguished guests.

The ceremony kicked off with the musical march by the National Brass Band accompanied by a group of Seychelles Scout members. Then the atmosphere was filled with the British and the Seychelles national anthems. Deacon Louis Agathine led the prayers that followed by hymns.

“It is my honour to thank and place the wreath in the name of her majesty Queen Elizabeth to show respect to those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice,” high commissioner Skoll said when addressing those present.

“Let us be clear, in our tribute today we are not here to seek who is higher or to question the character of the soldiers or civilians. We are here to celebrate peace,” she added.

After two minutes to remember those who have lost their lives in the world wars, high commissioner Skoll led those who were present in the wreath- laying.